The new Porsche 911 Targa GTS and all of its glorious ancestors in a body "targa"

Start

The first model in a body "targa" in the lineup Porsche 911 appeared in 1967. The original cause of the models was tightening US legislation, which decided that the cars with a body "cabriolet" lack of security in the event of a coup. In the US, it's simple: it is not safe, then the ban.

The answer Porsche (and other manufacturers) became a new model with a stiff arc behind the rear seats, provides sufficient protection for the driver and passenger. And the name "Targa" she received through the participation of Porsche cars in the races, which were held from 1906 to 1977 on the island of Sicily and were called Targa Florio – the name of their founder Vincenzo Florio. Since then, the name stuck and came to mean not only the particular model of Porsche, and a type of bodywork as a whole.

The Targa model 911, in addition to the massive arch behind the seats, differ from fixed or removable compartment (depending on version) plastic "cap" at the rear. Motor line for the production included 4 engine three-liter and a 2.2-liter. Power, by today's standards, seem small, but for those years, 130 hp, is removed from the "younger" two-liter engine, was quite an impressive result. Even with him in the car weighing just a ton of overclocked to "hundreds" of less than 9 seconds, while the more powerful versions of the dispersal took seven and a small. Little weight, rear-wheel drive, disc brakes on a circle and a good engine – the vehicle is no perfect recipe for an active drive?

Targa "for the people"

Around the same years, in conjunction with Porsche Volkswagen released another car, which had two variations – a coupe and targa. It was the Porsche 914. Its purpose was to offer the Porsche, but for less money, and he coped with it well. The design was distinctive: retractable headlights, narrow longitudinal ridges along the top of the front wings and a removable cloth top targa version. However, disagreements between the producers put an end to the model of the future, and in 1976 its production was discontinued.

second generation

In 1973, with the change of generations "nine hundred and eleventh" and was replaced by generation 911 Targa. Although in general the second generation is not very different from the first as a design and technical "stuffing" engines line was updated, getting much more powerful power units: 2.7, 3 and 3.2 liters of capacity from 150 to 230 liters. from. They were able to accelerate the car up to "hundreds" of an impressive 5.8 seconds in the most powerful version, and 6.5 seconds for the most "low-power" does not look weak result. Carburettor system power completely is gone, replaced by a mechanical injection K-Jetronic, and then (in 1984) and e L-Jetronic.

Of course, for such a long period of production, from 1973 to 1989, the car could not undergo changes. For example, speaking of vnutrisalonnoe the options available to start with the production of electric windows, mirrors and heated leather trim subsequently joined the climate control and cruise control; technically the company they amounted to a vacuum brake booster and an optional limited-slip differential.

Gradually, the models produced for 16 years, has become inevitable and rapidly become outdated, and she needed a successor. They became the car to the new body, which had in-plant index of 964, and to sell is still called the Porsche 911.

The third generation, yet targa

In this generation, the Targa model, the 911, for that matter, and the rest was allocated one and uncompromising bezoptsionalny aspirated engine of 3.6 liters, which built 250 hp Acceleration to 100 km / h remained practically at the level of the previous model – 5.7 seconds. But now, even with closed top of the driver can enjoy the starry sky, just raised his head, and a removable glass roof was the cause. The aerodynamics of the car has been redesigned with regard to the type of body that even open-top aerodynamic parameters are not too different from the specified.

The car could boast four-wheel drive as an alternative to the rear, a mass of 1400 kilograms, and the already mentioned before electronic fuel injection L-Jetronic. The innovation of steel front airbags, available as an option.

But what all these words, because we are not doing it because of the fact that the 911 Targa accelerates quickly, or is all-wheel drive, but in order to enjoy the special charm that brings exactly this kind of body. Just look at it, because the next generation will you witness something quite different …

The fourth generation – Targa by name, but not in spirit

This generation of the 911, which carries the internal code 993, 911 violated the familiar face of the Targa, which so distinguishes it among other coupes and convertibles. In fact, it has turned into an ordinary coupe with sliding glass panoramic roof. Porsche engineers can understand – it was done in the pursuit of increasing the rigidity of the body, but it is impossible to forgive, because depriving the model of "canonical", they stripped her and individuality. 911 Targa since 1994 for 20 years was the only one of the models 911, inertia and tradition of supporting brand name.

See also the technical description of the models:

The fifth generation – a new body, the old problem

It must be admitted that the fifth iteration of the "nine hundred and eleventh" under internal index 996 has become much more dynamic, fresher, sportier and lighter in appearance and characteristics. Rear optics for the first time replaced with a continuous straight line along the rear bumper on the twin headlamps with a rounded silhouette. Headlights "clung" to the body and stretched out, giving the front part of the greater rapidity, but retaining the "family" features. It was done with the air-cooled engine, he was replaced by a fully zhidkostnoohlazhdaemy engine of the same size – 3.6 liter capacity as much as 320 "horses". "Maximum speed" has grown to 285 km / h, the torque – up to 370 Nm, but it is only important in the overall context of the model. But the real Targa "996 minutes" and did not.

The sixth generation – evolution without attention to one detail

The generation of the Porsche 911 with an internal 997 index continued the idea of ​​systematic evolution of the model laid down by his predecessor. Engine (guess what volume) "pomoschnel" again, the characteristics were improved once again, the exterior has improved again. Everything was perfect, except for the mood of the brand fans who wanted to get a real Targu. And to our general jubilation, their hopes and aspirations were not in vain.

Lucky seven

Yes! Finally! In 2014 at the Auto Show in Detroit, Porsche has finally responded to the voice of crying out to the historical truth and presented the latest generation of the 911 Carrera Targa 4, which for the first time since 1994, has become a real Targa, not coupled with a slight taste of marketing.

Moreover, a few months later, they presented another gift to fans: the 911 Carrera Targa 4S, which has become even more powerful and faster. If the model 4 offers a 3.4-liter engine with 350 strength, the 4S has under the hood of the machine 3.8 liter volume and issuing a full-fledged four "horses".

It is not surprising that even with the increased weight he dispersed to "hundreds" of 4.6 seconds and continues to accelerate to 295 km / h. A weight has increased but unfortunately the roof in the new 911 Targa (we will briefly call it that) has a special construction consisting of two moving parts – the actual roof, retractable behind the seat, and the rear glass "cap", which rises with the servos, and then It takes its place. Beautiful, unusual, authentic. And the main thing – now it's real.

Well, the other day we saw a new modification of the current iteration – Porsche 911 Targa GTS. Its power is slightly lower than the "sisters" presented earlier, but a unique style and an undeniable charisma in place. So, if you have the means, take it and enjoy. If not – just enjoy contemplating this magnificent fusion of tradition and technology.

But targa – this is optional Porsche

Among the cars with this type of body that cause our admiration, there are representatives of other brands. For example, the Toyota released a modification of his famous Supra in the performance called «sport roof», is just different removable hardtop, coupe transforms into an elegant Targu. It must be noted that, despite the fact that the design model has changed dramatically during the transition from the third generation to the fourth, the body "targa" perfect fit and one in another stylistic approach that particularly emphasizes its relevance to the design of virtually any compartment having open version.

Another prominent representative of this small family is the Pontiac Firebird, namely its second generation, which, in addition to the "muscular" and engine offers such exotic option, giving a total of hot combination of strength and beauty. Enjoy yourself: with the appearance – at least for the race, even though the restaurant nor there nor there without feeling out of place.